Day 2 - Walking the way of the pilgrims

One of the things I love most about walking in England is that you are continuously travelling through moments in time. Within mere feet, you can walk past a Bronze-age mound, cross a roadway originally carved out by the Romans, eat in a pub that has had beer splashed on its floor since Tudor times, and then gaze up at a lofty Victorian-era schoolhouse with plaques commemorating those lost in both Great wars. It's a heady thing to know that no matter how quiet it may seem around you, thousands have passed before you.

Our walk today was once more proof of how ever-shifting history merges into our own. We started in the market town of Alton. This very pretty Hampshire town sits on what was once a pilgrimage route between Canterbury and Winchester. In Winchester, pilgrims paid homage to St. Swithun (once Bishop at Winchester) and Alfred the Great (noted for defending against Viking invasions), both who lived in the latter half of the 800s. St. Swithun's Way is a walking path you can take today between the towns of Farnham and Winchester, following the original pilgrams' route for much of its length.

Toward the end of the High Street in Alton sits the railway station, the end of the line for those commuting from this area into London. It is also the home of a wonderful steam railway called the Watercress Line. For those looking to relive the glory days of train travel, this is a must-do event.

As it was nearing noon and we had neglected to have breakfast, we stopped in at the Queen's Head pub on the outskirts of the village of Holybourne. Simple sandwich lunch, with Phil enjoying the local bitter, Alton Pride, as his form of an aperitif.

In keeping with our motto to "Just Keep Saying Hello," we met Stef, who was handling the bar and restaurant. A lovely young woman, Stef agreed to a photo, and to be our premiere "meet the locals" addition to our blog. Having studied at the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham, she is set to soon begin work as a photographer, with her goal to become a field sport photograher. We'll be looking for your photos, Stef! Best of luck!

Holybourne is a beautiful village with an truly amazing collection of Tudor-era buildings, all still in use as homes and shops. Once the Roman post of Vindomi, the town has within it Holy Rood church which has some of the most beautifully maintained grounds we have seen, and which sits next to an idyllic duck-filled pond.

We took the St. Swithun's Way path back to Alton, passing the local school grounds and the Alton football pitch (artificial turf, much to Phil's distain). By then it was time to stop for tea, which we did at the Railway Cafe.

In the evening, our friends Jane and Keith took us for a Thai meal that I am sure has now started a new culinary addiction for me (like I needed more). The Thai Lounge is one of those magnificent finds. They have undertaken a beautiful restoration of a former pub on the old coaching road, and the decor matches the wonderful presentation and flavours in the food. We ended a great day with the best of friends sharing lots of laughter...as one should!